Plant Plague: Sudden Oak Death

Amy Miller Post on Apr 24, 2007 by
Topics: Biology, Environment, Television

Devastating over 1 million oak trees across Northern California in the past 10 years, Sudden Oak Death is a killer with no cure. But biologists now are looking to the trees' genetics for a solution.

You may also watch this story online in its entirety, and see additional photos in our flickr photo set.

Sudden Oak Death and Science of Big Waves (episode #108), airs tonight on QUEST at 7:30pm on KQED 9, and KQED HD, Comcast 709. (full schedule).

Amy Miller is a Coordinating Producer for television on QUEST, and is the producer seen on camera for this story.

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  • Anton Nemeth

    Dear Ms. Miller and anyone interested,

    I read of a machine allegedly used by the University of Illinois to erradicate tree and crop pests. It costs about $40.00 to build and has a reported 80% effectiveness on any life form lower than and insect. It was reported to have been used on a number of crops with great effect, as well as in some other applications. If anyone is interested in further information as to source of information and building diagram for the machine, please contact me at 510.525.7237. My guess is that anything might be helpful at this stage of the reported infeststion, no?

  • http://www.suddenoakdeath.org Katie Palmieri, CA Oak Mortality Task Force PIO

    Dear Anton,

    While I am sure that the product you are suggesting can do wonderful things, it is not likely that it could assist with the fight against Sudden Oak Death. P. ramorum is microscopic and has two forms – an active, water-loving form and a dormant form that allows it to survive when environmental conditions are not favorable. In areas where the pathogen is found, it can persist in one form or another in the soil, water, and on susceptible plants.

    If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to give me a call at (510) 847-5482. I am the Public Information Officer for the California Oak Mortality Task Force and I would be happy to talk with you.

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  • http://TreeSolutions.com James Neve

    We are repeatedly seeing the heartbreaking story of the woman in Marin in many coastal area sites. What makes it really tough, is that if her tree was protected by the phosphite solution before infection she and others may have had many more years of enjoyment. Although expensive, pro active treatment is a homeowners best chance to ensure survival.
    At some point the cumulative loss of acorn supply is going to have noticeable affect on the local animal population and this is another cause of concern.
    Tree Solutions stays on top of current treatment information. The Oak Mortality Task Force is an invaluable source of information. If interested, please check our website for information about field results and the latest in treatment information.
    http://www.treesolutions.com/sudden-oak-death/sudden-oak-death-overview/